Author: Agencies
JAMMU: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Thursday stressed the need to simplify rules and procedures to ensure timely and hassle-free disbursement of benefits under various welfare schemes for workers across Jammu and Kashmir. Chairing a meeting with representatives of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) at the Civil Secretariat, the Deputy Chief Minister emphasized enhanced outreach and effective implementation of government welfare initiatives for workers and their families. Among those present were MLA Kulgam Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami, CEO/Secretary of the Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board Munir Ul Islam, Labour Commissioner Charandeep Singh and other senior officers.…
NEW DELHI: Eight-year-old Ranvir Sachdeva is emerging as one of India’s brightest young minds in artificial intelligence (AI). He recently made headlines as the youngest keynote speaker at the India AI Impact Summit 2026, impressing experts by connecting ancient Indian philosophies with modern technological innovations. At the Summit, Ranvir highlighted how his generation will play a crucial role in shaping the AI-driven future. “Technology is evolving so rapidly that not just Millennials, but Generation Z and Generation Alpha will be the true change makers who adapt to and redefine what is being built today,” he told reporters. During his keynote,…
JAMMU: The government on Friday informed the Legislative Assembly that employees engaged under the National Health Mission (NHM) in Jammu and Kashmir are working on a contractual basis and are paid a consolidated honorarium as per approved norms. Replying to a question tabled by MLA Surinder Kumar, Health and Medical Education Department Minister Sakina Itoo said that NHM personnel receive a consolidated honorarium, which varies depending on the year of engagement, with a provision of a five per cent annual increment as per norms. She clarified that, unlike regular government employees, NHM staff are engaged purely on a contractual basis.…
JAMMU: The Jammu Kashmir Lok Bhavan celebrated the Statehood Day of Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram with enthusiasm and patriotic fervour. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha extended his heartiest greetings to the people of both states. He prayed for the health, prosperity, and rapid socio-economic development of the region. Emphasising the spirit of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,” the Lieutenant Governor said India’s cultural and spiritual legacy distinguishes it globally while promoting ideals of unity and harmony. “Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram are more than just geographical entities; they are living symbols of the nation’s cultural heritage and unity. These two states are the…
SAMBA: A balloon bearing the marking “PIA” along with text written in Urdu was found in the Kotli area of the Ramgarh sector in Samba district on Friday, prompting security agencies to initiate an inquiry. According to officials, a local resident noticed the balloon and immediately alerted the police. A team rushed to the spot, seized the balloon and began an investigation to ascertain its origin and examine any possible security implications. Authorities are assessing whether the balloon drifted across the border due to wind currents or if there is any other angle involved. Further investigation is underway.
JAMMU: The government on Friday informed the Legislative Assembly that over 1.62 crore tourists have visited Jammu and Kashmir so far in 2025, with the administration pursuing a structured roadmap for sustained revival and growth of the tourism sector. Replying to a question tabled by MLA Javid Hassan Baig, the Tourism Department said that tourist data is maintained destination-wise and comparative figures for the last three years, along with pre-2019 data, have been compiled. As per the figures placed before the House, the Jammu division recorded 1,62,35,036 visitors in 2025 (till date), while the Kashmir division recorded 4,77,882 visitors, taking…
JAMMU: Bharatiya Jain Sanghatana (J&K) President Sandeep Jain, popularly known as ‘Sunny’, has expressed profound gratitude and congratulations to Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha for initiating the construction of a new Shankaracharya Temple near the sacred town of Katra. In a statement, Jain said the initiative marks a decisive step towards the civilizational resurgence of Bharat and the reawakening of its timeless spiritual consciousness. He described the proposed temple as a powerful affirmation of India’s uninterrupted spiritual continuum and a recognition of the sacred association of Adi Shankaracharya with Katra, reviving an important chapter of the nation’s ancient cultural and philosophical…
JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir Cricket Association (JKCA) has earned distinction with the selection of three standout women cricketers in the North Zone squad for the Senior Women’s One-Day Tournament. The selection meeting was convened by Cricket Advisory Committee (CAC) Member Meenu Singh Slathia at Hostel Ground, Jammu. The panel comprised Reema Malhotra (DDCA), Rajni Kumari (HCA), Rajwinder Kour (PCA), Surinder Mehta (HPCA), Amit Prashar (UTCA) and Anuradha Sharma (JKCA). From a competitive 15-member squad, the selectors unanimously picked explosive batting all-rounder Rubia Syed, gritty off-spinner Sandhya Sayal and stylish batting all-rounder Chitra Singh Jamwal from J&K, while Rudrakshi Chib…
US President Donald Trump has once again claimed that he prevented a major escalation between India and Pakistan during the 2024 conflict, asserting that his threat to impose a “200 per cent tariff” on both nations led to a halt in hostilities. Speaking at his Board of Peace, Trump said he warned both countries that trade deals would be off the table if the fighting continued. “I said, if you fight, I’m going to put 200 per cent tariffs on each of your countries. They both wanted to fight. But when it came to money, it’s nothing like money,” he…
JAMMU: FICCI FLO Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh has successfully created sustainable employment opportunities for over 100 women through a structured skilling-to-employment initiative in collaboration with Nidra. Under its “Skill to Scale” vertical, headed by Deepti Gandotra and Iruvanthika Chowdhary, the chapter adopted a “Train the Trainer” model to ensure wider outreach and long-term impact. Trainers from 20 Self Help Groups (SHGs) were imparted professional stitching skills. Each trained leader subsequently mentored five to six women within their respective SHGs, expanding the program’s reach to over 100 women at the grassroots level. Following the successful completion of the training phase, the…